Victory Motors showcases investment in Craig

Steve Maneotis, right, owner of Victory Motors of Craig, explains ongoing renovations to the building at 2705 W. First St., on Aug. 16 during a tour given to Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors, staff and guests. Upgrades include this enclosed drive-in bay for service work, an expanded parts department and a lounge that will feature coffee, snacks and massage chairs.Michelle Balleck/Courtesy |

One homegrown family is making a multi-million dollar investment in Craig.

Siblings Irene Kitzman, Steve Maneotis and Tony Maneotis were born in Craig, have raised their families here and co-own Victory Motors of Craig. And now they’re making a $2.4 million investment in their business at 2705 W. First St.

“We’re excited about where it takes us and the community,” Steve said. “We’re proud to be a part of Craig — that’s the bottom line.”

The Craig/Moffat Economic Development Partnership Board of Directors, staff and guests got an early peek at the $2.4 million renovation project at the organization’s business visit meeting there on Aug. 16.

“It was time for a facelift,” Irene said.

A drive-in bay allows customers to pull through a quick-open garage door into a heated enclosure, check in and relax without having to step outside, a benefit especially in the wintertime.

The new open-concept showroom and lounge area include a fireplace, lounge bar with coffee and snacks, kids’ room and massage chairs for customers to enjoy.

The renovation began in August 2016, the same month the family began construction on the current site in 1980. The business relocated to its current location in 1975 from what is now Cook Ford.

Steve said the renovation project has been in the works for years as he navigated the Chrysler franchise requirements for such a project.

“It’s nice to be able to say, hey, we’ve got what Chrysler wants and hopefully what residents want to come here and shop,” Steve said.

Victory Motors currently sells 40 to 60 vehicles a month, and with a big internet marketing focus drawing customers from out of state, Steve said he hopes to keep increasing that number.

“When we get this done, our goal is to double what we’re doing in retail,” he said.

The backbone of their revenue is service. Parts manager Craig Reuer keeps $350,000 in stocked parts with a ten-fold increase in Amazon orders over the past 12 months. That’s why Steve said the renovation includes increasing the space and capabilities of the department.

“We’re excited about this area, for sure, because it gave us room to grow our service side, which is most important in our eyes,” Steve said.

Yet to come on the project are finishing the office spaces, landscaping and installing charging stations for electric vehicles. Steve also said the family is considering adding a car rental service in the future.

“I am so impressed by the investment the Maneotis family is making in Moffat County,” said CMEDP Executive Director Michelle Balleck. “The renovations are beautiful and are a testament to the commitment the family has to this community. It’s a sign of a recovering economy and the future of Craig.”

When the renovations are complete, Victory Motors will host a grand opening celebration for the community to view the updates.

For more information about Victory Motors of Craig, visit VictoryMotorsofCraig.com. For more information about CMEDP, visit CraigBusiness.com.